ASPIRE PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY RECEIVES 9 AWARDS AND 28 ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS FROM NATIONAL YOUTH ARTS

Wayne, NJ, August 19, 2018 – Aspire Performing Arts Company (PAC) is pleased to announce that it recently received nine awards and an additional 28 nominations from National Youth Arts (NYA).

NYA, now in its 18^th year, celebrates the best of youth arts throughout the country. Aspire PAC joined NYA as a member theater in 2016 and this was the company’s second year of eligibility for award consideration.

Aspire PAC received awards and nominations for five of its 2017-18 productions: Grease, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR., Heathers the Musical (High School Edition), and two pilot productions: Newsies JR. and Frozen JR.

This year, more than 600 productions were considered for the awards, including shows from more 220 different members spanning 17 states and the UK. Award ceremonies are currently being held in different regions of the country including Arizona, California, Colorado, Virginia, and New York.

On Sunday, August 19, nine Aspire PAC members attended the Eastern Regional Ceremony, held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA in the Bronx. Allison Paterno opened the show by stepping back into her role as Katherine Plumber from Newsies JR. and performing “Watch What Happens.” Olivia Kozlevcar also reprised her role of Heather McNamara from Heathers the Musical (High School Edition), performing the song “Lifeboat” before accepting her Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical award.

Awards were received in the following categories:

· Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical:

o Courtney Bulger as Veronica in Heathers the Musical (High School Edition)

o Julia DiGirolamo as Veronica in Heathers the Musical (High School Edition)

· Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Junior Division):

o James Ignacio as Jack Kelly in Newsies JR.

o Lillian Kopacz as Marty in Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

o Allison Paterno as Katherine Plumber in Newsies JR.

· Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical:

o Leighann Albanese as Marty in Grease

o Olivia Kozlevcar as Heather McNamara in Heathers the Musical (High School Edition)

o Gianna Trivisani as Heather Chandler in Heathers the Musical (High School Edition)

· Outstanding Ensemble: Grease

Aspire PAC Artistic Director Lisa Beth Vettos (right) said “I am blown away by the recognition Aspire has received from National Youth Arts. I am incredibly proud of the productions we put up over the past year, and these awards and nominations celebrate the hard work of our entire team – from cast and crew to the parents and families. The numerous nominations for Outstanding Ensemble exemplify how all of these pieces come together to create something beautiful and inspiring. Thank you to Rob Hopper and all of NYA for continuing to support youth and the arts year after year.”

NYA is known for recognizing standout talent across the country. Award-winning alumni include Tony Nominee Emily Skeggs (Broadway: Fun Home), Ariana Afsar (Broadway: Hamilton), Veronica Dunne (Broadway: Chicago), and Grammy Nominee Ariana Grande.

Premiere Stages to Present Full Production of NJPAC Stage Exchange Commission Brick City (September 6-23)

UNION, N.J. – Premiere Stages at Kean University will present Nicole Pandolfo’s Brick City September 6-23 in Kean University’s Bauer Boucher Theatre Center (Vaughn Eames Hall, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J.). Originally commissioned over a two-year cycle through the NJPAC Stage Exchange and now receiving its first professional production, Brick City will feature actors Rafael Benoit, Jacqueline Correa, Madison Ferris and Chris Grant. Jessi D. Hill, who helmed this season’s workshop of Deneen Reynold-Knott’s Baton, directs.

Now in its fourth year, the NJPAC Stage Exchange pairs cutting-edge play development with insightful community dialogue. An innovative partnership between the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and three professional producing theatres, the program annually commissions three new plays by three Garden State playwrights, presents free readings of the plays with public commentary at NJPAC in Newark, and ultimately results in three full productions of the plays at the collaborating theatres the following season.

‘Bat Boy’ the musical next at Old Library Theatre

Old Library Theatre, Fair Lawn Recreation Department's resident theater company and NJACT's 2017 Community Theater of the Year, proudly presents "Bat Boy."
Old Library Theatre
10-10 20th St Fair Lawn NJ
George Frey Arts & Recreation Building
Four performances only !
Friday September 14 and Saturday 15 at 8:00pm
Saturday September 15 and Sunday September 16 at 2:00pm
Tickets $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+), and $12 for children 12 and under.
Available online at https://www.onthestage.com/show/old-library-theatre/bat-boy-9200 or by phone at (973) OLT-4420
Book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming.
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe.
Directed by Matt Haines
Music Directed by Evan Tintle Charpentier
Choreography by Campbell Tosney
Produced by Linda Wielkotz and Al LoMartire
When a half boy/half bat creature is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia, the local sheriff brings himto the home of the town veterinarian. Though he’s eventually accepted as a member of the family, when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded townspeople, they turn on him.
Starring: Joe Tible, Cassandra Lindeblad, Matthew Douglas, Megan Schmiedhauser, Brandon Conti, Frank Riccobono, Hank Machuga, Sarah Lepre, Kax Petkovich, Matt Cavallo, Pedro Jimenez Jr., Jesse Bush, Maureen McNulty, Corrine Walker, Fia Fusco, Miriam Messer, Justin Roth, Samantha Szentmiklosy, and David Zarusinski.

Time to Lend a Hand to a Theatre in Need

Dear theater lovers,

As you may have seen already, Studio Players in Upper Montclair suffered massive damage to their facility in the flash floods that hit our area last weekend. In particular, their scene shop and furniture and prop collections were decimated. The mess left behind is staggering.

They have appealed to other theaters in the area to send out a call for helpers, which The Strollers is happy to do. If you can lend a hand, please do. No special skills needed. Wear old clothes, work gloves, and closed toed shoes for safety.

THEY MUST CLEAR THE DOWNSTAIRS AREA BY SUNDAY so the professional cleaning / flood restoration crew can access the space and start their work.

Work sessions:

Thursday (today): 3:00 pm until it gets dark

Friday: TBA (check their website, https://studioplayhouse.org)

Saturday: 12:00 noon - 5:00 or 6:00 pm

Sunday: TBA

Studio Playhouse:

14 Alvin Place

Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

(right next to the Acme on Valley Road)

If you would like to donate to the group, there is a link on their website.

Thank you for supporting our community theater players-in-arms in their time of need.   The Stollers of Maplewood

Auditions: Staged Reading at Circle Players-“Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play”

Circle Players and director Roxanne Guarino are pleased to announce auditions for a staged reading  that will serve as a special fundraiser during their 2018-2019 season, “Mr. Burns: a Post-Electric Play”, by Anne Washburn.

SYNOPSIS:

Anne Washburn’s imaginative dark comedy propels us forward nearly a century, following a new civilization stumbling into its future.

After the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors share a campfire and begin to piece together the plot of "The Simpsons" episode "Cape Feare" entirely from memory. Seven years later, this and other snippets of pop culture (sitcom plots, commercials, jingles, and pop songs) have become the live entertainment of a post-apocalyptic society, sincerely trying to hold onto its past. 75 years later, these are the myths and legends from which new forms of performance are created.

A paean to live theater, and the resilience of Bart Simpson through the ages, Mr. Burns is an animated exploration of how the pop culture of one era might evolve into the mythology of another.

We are looking for an ethnically diverse cast of 7 people (5 women, 2 men), ages 21-40, who like to experiment and have fun while acting and feel comfortable singing in front of an audience.

Please note that while the play talks about “The Simpsons” extensively, you DO NOT need to be familiar with the program.  In act 2, scenes from an episode are briefly acted out, but the actors should not imitate the characters, just present an idea of them- ie, Homer is a foolish character, Lisa is a little girl, etc. Act 3 takes place 70 years after the collapse of current civilization, and the characters would not be familiar with the show, only with archetypes like the young hero or demonic villain.

However, familiarity with Washburn’s play is advisable, so do your research. Participants do not have to be professional-level singers, although there will be some singing in the play.

The production will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

Auditions will take place on:

Tuesday, August 28 at 7p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center in Metuchen

Wednesday, August 29 at 7 p.m. at Circle Players in Piscataway

If you have any questions please feel free to shoot us an e-mail at circleplayersnj@gmail.com

The Senior Center is located at 15 Center St, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Circle Players is located at 16 Victoria Ave, Piscataway Township, NJ, 08854.

Character Breakdown
MATT - Homer/Scratchy

Act 1: Matt is a “Simpsons” fan and loves to tell a good story. He’s hiding a serious loss behind his exterior.

Act 2: Is the actor who plays Homer in the rep company of “Simpsons” episodes.

Act 3 Plays Scratchy, demonic cat-henchman of Mr. Burns and functions as part of the Greek-style chorus.

MARIA - Marge/Marge

Act 1 Maria is a serious-minded person who’s not terribly familiar with ‘The Simpsons.” She’s had some harrowing experiences in the apocalypse and wants to fit in with the group.

Act 2 Plays Marge in the rep company and feels their dramas should be more meaningful and realistic.

Act 3 Plays Marge and functions as part of the Greek-style chorus.
JENNY -Lisa & Second FBI Agent/Itchy

Act 1 Jenny is an inquisitive “Simpsons” fan who tries to adapt to whatever situation she finds herself in.

Act 2 Acts as Lisa and the second FBI agent. She’s not afraid to stand up for her opinions even if they are unpopular.

Act 3 Plays Itchy, Mr. Burns’ demonic mouse-henchman and functions as part of the Greek-style chorus.

COLLEEN - First FBI Agent/Lisa

Act 1: N/A

Act 2: Colleen is the director of the rep company and their “Simpsons” play and commercials in Act 2. She is decisive and understands the importance of the audience, and the company’s valuable time and resources. Combative when threatened.

Act 3: Plays Lisa and functions as part of the Greek-style chorus.
GIBSON -Loving Husband & Sideshow Bob/Homer

Act 1: A prepared, but inexperienced survivalist and an amateur actor, he quickly makes friends with the group. He has some oddly specific areas of knowledge.

Act 2: Plays the Husband and Sideshow Bob. He is less willing to keep up the pretense of ‘normalcy’ after the apocalypse and is struggling with anxieties.

Act 3: Plays Homer, an archetypal father, in act 3 and functions as part of the Greek-style chorus.

QUINCY - Businesswoman/Bart  

Act 1: N/A

Act 2: Plays the Businesswoman in the rep company. She takes her craft, to act out a bygone era, very seriously, but feels the entertainment should be uplifting. Tends to lecture others.

Act 3: Is Bart, the young hero of the epic play in Act 3. Is only occasionally part of the chorus.

NEDRA – Plays Edna Krabappel, who leads the chorus (which may be in blank verse) in Act 3. She is the mistress of this very epic ceremony.

Sides will be posted at circleplayers.org.

Auditions: ‘Urinetown’ at Barn Theatre

The Barn Theatre in Montville, New Jersey continues its 91sr Season by holding open auditions for its upcoming production of  “Urinetown: The Musical”, book by Greg Kotis, music by Mark Hollmann, and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm and Tuesday, September 11, 2018 from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. "Urinetown: The Musical" will be directed by Alan Van Antwerp, musical directed by Jack Bender, and choreographed by Megan Ferentinos.

Preparations:

Please prepare a short song,  and bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided.  Director and musical director may not need to hear the entire song.   Please come prepared to learn a short dance routine.

Headshots and resumes are not required but gladly received. 

Actors are asked to arrive to sign in within the first hour of the audition start time. All roles are available. Casting is open, and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. If interested, please contact info@barntheatre.org

The Barn does not charge a participation fee.

***IMPORTANT: You will be asked to list ALL potential conflict dates AT THE TIME of your audition, (NOT after casting). Please be prepared with your calendar and out-dates, as a rehearsal schedule will be generated based upon availability of staff and cast.

The Barn is an all-volunteer organization, we are unable to provide housing or offer remuneration.

Synopsis:

Set in the not-so-distant future, a terrible water shortage and 20-year drought has led to a government ban on private toilets and a proliferation of paid public toilets (owned and operated by a single megalomaniac company). The poor stage a revolt, led by a brave young hero, fighting tooth and nail for the freedom they all pray for. A brilliant musical satire modeled off the plays of Weill and Brecht, Urinetown is a wickedly funny, fast-paced, and surprisingly intelligent comedic romp.

Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International

Friday, November 9, 2018 at 8pm
Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 2pm
Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 2pm

Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 8 pm (Potential Benefit Performance)
Friday, November 16, 2018 at 8pm (Potential Benefit Performance)
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 8pm
Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 2pm
Friday, November 23, 2018 at 8pm
Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 8pm
Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 2pm
Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 8pm (Potential Benefit Performance)
Friday, November 30, 2018 at 8pm
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 8pm

Officer Lockstock

The tongue-in-cheek narrator of our story, he is a corrupt policeman who secretly kills off the guilty offenders. Bold, brash, and larger than life in many ways.

Gender: Male

Age: 35 to 55

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: A2

Penelope Pennywise

The tough, jaded warden of the poorest, filthiest town urinal. She is Cladwell's one-time lover and mother to Hope who eventually softens her temper.

Gender: Female

Age: 30 to 45

Vocal range top: C6

Vocal range bottom: A3

Bobby Strong

The dashing, rebellious everyman who works for Miss Pennywise at the poorest, filthiest town urinal. He becomes an unsuspecting protagonist and romantic hero when he starts a revolution and falls in love with Hope Cladwell.

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 35

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: A2

Little Sally

A precocious and irreverent street urchin. She serves as a quasi-narrator who often questions Lockstock and the play's logic.

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 30

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Dr. Billeaux

Head of Research and Development at UGC. Optional Doubling as TINY TOM.

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 50

Vocal range top: A3

Vocal range bottom: E3

Mr. Mcqueen

Cladwell's sycophantic lackey. A servile assistant.

Gender: Male

Age: 20 to 45

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: B2

Senator Fipp

A greedy politician in Cladwell's pocket. A bumbling coward.

Gender: Male

Age: 40 to 55

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: C#3

Officer Barrel

Lockstock's patrol partner. A thuggish and aggressive policeman.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 50

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: G2

Hope Cladwell

Cladwell's ravishingly beautiful daughter, torn between her father and her new love for Bobby. She begins as an innocent, naive angel but becomes vengeful and determined after being exposed to her father's evil.

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 30

Vocal range top: A5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Joseph "old Man" Strong

Bobby's rebellious father. His refusal to pay the fee sends him to Urinetown, ultimately launching the revolution. Optional Doubling as HOT BLADES HARRY.

Gender: Male

Age: 40 to 65

Tiny Tom

One of the Poor, he is an idiotic man-child. Optional Doubling as DR. BILLEAUX.

Gender: Male

Age: 30 to 50

Vocal range top: A3

Vocal range bottom: D3

Soupy Sue

One of the Poor, she is excitable and easily panicked. Optional Doubling as CALDWELL'S SECRETARY.

Gender: Female

Age: 25 to 40

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Little Becky Two-shoes

One of the Poor. She is foul-mouthed, impulsive, and accusatory. Optional Doubling as MRS. MILLENIUM.

Gender: Female

Age: 20 to 40

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Caldwell B. Cladwell

The evil president and owner of the Urine Good Company. He is a miserly money-grubber who gleefully exploits the poor.

Gender: Male

Age: 50 to 65

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: A2

Josephine "ma" Strong

Bobby's mother and Joseph's wife. A strong-willed woman with a bite, able to withstand the hard hand life has dealt her. Optional Doubling as OLD WOMAN.

Gender: Female

Age: 55 to 65

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Hot Blades Harry

One of the Poor, he is a psychopathic and can become a violent loose cannon. Optional Doubling as JOSEPH "OLD MAN" STRONG.

Gender: Male

Age: 45 to 60

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: A2

The Barn Theatre is located at the end of Skyline Drive in Montville, NJ.  For directions to the theatre, please see http://www.barntheatre.org/directions.asp

Staged reading of “Valley of the Dolls” at Chatham Playhouse

The Chatham Community Players (CCP) in co-operation with Lisa Bishop and Tiger LLC, will host a one-night-only staged reading of Jacqueline Susann's “Valley of the Dolls”. The staged reading will be performed on Saturday, September 8th at 8 p.m. at the Chatham Playhouse 23 North Passaic Ave Chatham, NJ. All Tickets are $10 (online orders include a $1.50 service fee).

The story of three young starlets who, while trying to make it big on Broadway and in Hollywood, get tied up in drugs, booze and sex. This story first appeared as famous novel, then later on screen in the cult 1967 film and now it will receive its time under the lights on the Chatham Playhouse’s stage. Running time is approximately 2 hours, which includes a brief intermission.

The reading is to benefit CCP's Outreach Program. For the past 25 years, their Outreach Program has been bringing groups of disadvantaged people to the Chatham Playhouse to attend performances free of charge, enabling the organization to broaden their definition of community and to give back in a society increasingly focused on taking. Additionally, to honor Valley Of The Dolls’ author - Jacqueline Susann- a portion of the proceeds will benefit LGBT Rain Foundation of Essex County, which provides shelter and services to homeless LGBT youth.

This staged reading of “Valley of the Dolls” is directed by George Seylaz of Belleville and starring the following talented actors; Sarah Blannet Pharaon of South Orange, Juliana Valente of Wyckoff, Julie Anne Nolan of Little Falls, Lauri MacMillan of Rockaway, Karen Thornton of New Providence, Tasha Williams-Arroyo of Belleville, Paula Ehrenberg of Summit, Samantha Kaplan of Wellington, Billy Mitchell of Jersey City, Sean Lough of Fanwood, Shane Long of Paramus, Arnold Buchiane of Summit, Josh Musgrave of Florham Park and Duane Noch of Middletown.

To access the theater’s online ticketing service, simply go to ccp.booktix.com. For more information, call the box office at (973) 635-7363 or go to www.chathamplayers.org. It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. Patrons with special needs requiring seating accommodations should contact the Playhouse at least 24 hours prior to the performance. Without prior notice, accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

NJSO presents 2018 Opening Night Celebration: Ode to Joy

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra celebrates the joys of giving, diversity and the state’s remarkable communities at its Opening Night Celebration on October 5 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The gala, which kicks off Music Director Xian Zhang’s third season at the helm of the NJSO, honors two outstanding community members—Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin and NJSO Community Relations Liaison Florence Johnson.

The opening-weekend concert program, led by Zhang at 7:30 pm, pairs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the US premiere of Kate Whitley’s Speak Out. The NJSO celebrates the voices of its own communities through Newark Voices—a community choir based in Newark that will join singers from Montclair State University for Beethoven’s masterwork.

The gala evening includes a pre-concert cocktail party with hors d’ oeuvres and an open bar at 5:30 pm; a post-concert dinner offers opportunities to meet and mingle with Zhang, musicians and special guests. Complimentary valet parking will be provided for all gala attendees. The gala is sponsored by Investors Bank.

All proceeds from the gala event will support the NJSO as it enriches lives through its artistic, music education and community engagement programs.

NJSO President & CEO Gabriel van Aalst says: “Our opening gala is a true celebration of community, and we are proud to honor two of New Jersey’s finest influencers in Dr. Nariman Farvardin and the NJSO’s own Florence Johnson. These two individuals are pillars of their respective communities; they have fostered collaboration and inspired new audiences to experience the arts in our great state.”

“Stevens’ partnership with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra over the last two years has truly enriched not only the lives of the extended Stevens community, but has also enhanced the arts and culture of Hoboken and the region,” Farvardin says. “The OnStage at Stevens program adds an important dimension to the vibrant campus life of our premier technological research university. I look forward to continuing and expanding the partnership between Stevens and the NJSO in the years to come.”

Johnson says: “Of all the awards I have received over the past three decades, I value this special recognition the most. I am being honored for doing what I truly love—spreading the good news about our great symphony orchestra, a precious gem in our community. Music inspires us; it gives us hope for the future and joy in our hearts. We must all continue to keep this joyous spirit going throughout our great city of Newark and state of New Jersey.”

The NJSO repeats the concert performance on October 6 at 8 pm at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick and October 7 at 3 pm at NJPAC. Concert tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase at njsymphony.org or 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

Audition: The Wizard of OZ at The Growing Stage

The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey will be holding auditions for its musical production of the Royal Shakespeare’s THE
WIZARD OF OZ Monday, August 27 at 7:00 PM for adults and Tuesday, August 28 for young people ten to 17.

The production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, the Growing Stage’s Executive Director (photo), with musical direction by Stephen Fox and 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The production has four AEA roles available with all other parts available to community
artists. All auditioning should have a song prepared with printed accompaniment that should be no longer than sixteen measures and reading from the script.

The Royal Shakespeare Company version is a more faithful adaptation of the film. A more technically complex production, it recreates the dialogue and structure of the MGM classic nearly scene for scene, though it is
adapted for a live stage performance. Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, dreams of escaping her mundane life. The family’s mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to
impound Dorothy’s cherished dog, Toto, so Dorothy and Toto run away. They meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home. Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking
shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz.

THE WIZARD OF OZ opens October 5 and runs to the 28th, with an opening Friday night performance at 7:30 PM. All other performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. The Growing Stage is a professional member of the Association of Actor’s Equity. There will be four roles available for AEA artists.

Rehearsal schedules are generally two or three evenings during the week, and a weekend afternoon. All cast members are expected for all performances, with no exception since the company does not cast understudies.

Performers of color, seniors, women, and performers with disabilities are encouraged to attend. An accompanist will be provided. The Growing Stage Theatre is located in northwestern New Jersey with no regular mass transportation service available. Own transportation is strongly recommended.

For additional information, please email the Director at execgst@optonline.net or call the theatre at 973-347-4946. The
company address is: The Growing Stage, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Route 183, Netcong, New Jersey 07857.

NJSO summer sales ends Mon, Aug 13

 

The NJSO summer sales ends Mon, Aug 13, at 11:59 pm. This is your last chance to save up to 25% off single tickets to select concerts in the upcoming 2018–19 season. Secure your tickets today for classical music favorites, like:

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite
Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2
Debussy’s La Mer
Brahms’ Symphony No. 4
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 with Emanuel Ax
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with Simone Dinnerstein
Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony

We’re even offering 10% off tickets to our Star Wars concert series!

Start Shopping

‘Pamela’s First Musical’ world premiere this fall at Two River Theater

More than 20 years after “it started with a dream,” Pamela’s First Musical will have its world premiere this fall at Two River Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. The theater launches its 25^th Anniversary Season with this long-awaited show, a valentine to the musical theater and a testament to its enduring power. Featuring a creative team with impressive theatrical pedigrees—with numerous honors among them, including multiple Tony Award wins and more than 20 nominations—a cast of 15 and an eight-piece band, Pamela’s First Musical will be the largest and most ambitious production in Two River’s history.

Performances will begin in Two River’s Rechnitz Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, on Saturday, September 8 and continue for an extended four-week run, through Sunday, October 7. The opening night performance is Friday, September 14 at 7pm. Tickets are available from 732.345.1400 or tworivertheater.org.

Based on the 1996 children’s book by Wendy Wasserstein, Pamela’s First Musical has a book by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Wendy Wasserstein (The Heidi Chronicles) and Tony Award-winner Christopher Durang (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by David Zippel (who each won the Tony Award—one of three for Cy Coleman—for their previous collaboration, City of Angels).

The musical was originally scheduled to have its world premiere in 2005; that production was cancelled due to Coleman’s death in 2004 and Wasserstein’s illness, which led to her untimely death in 2006. Neither artist was able to see their dream of a full production realized. Although it was presented as a one-night benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in 2008, Pamela’s First Musical seemed destined to remain unproduced—a last, lost work by some of the American theater’s most outstanding artists.

Developed by Two River Theater for several years, Pamela’s First Musical will now come to the stage with a cast of 15 and an eight-piece band, directed and choreographed by 10-time Tony Award nominee Graciela Daniele, with music supervision and arrangements by Kevin Stites.

The musical tells the story of Pamela (played by 12-year-old Sarah McKinley Austin), an unhappy, imaginative young girl whose mother has died. Her father (two-time Tony Award nominee Howard McGillin), though well-meaning, doesn’t fully understand his creative, unusual daughter. When Pamela’s eccentric and fabulous Aunt Louise (a modern “Auntie Mame” played by three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello) sweeps her away on her birthday to see her very first Broadway musical, Pamela meets many of the colorful personalities of the New York theater world, including musical comedy star Mary Ethel Bernadette (Drama Desk Award winner Andréa Burns), producer Bernie S. Gerry (Tony Award nominee David Garrison) and director Hal Hitner (Tony Award nominee Michael Mulheren). In meeting them and watching a clever musical-within-a-musical, Pamela discovers her tribe and the place where, as she sings, “all the pieces fit”—the world of musical theater.

‘FAME’ this weekend at Exit 82

Exit 82 Theatre's CAPA Academy in partnership with Pivotal Productions is proud to present FAME this Thursday - Saturday only!
FAME The Musical inspired generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame! This high-octane musical features the Academy Award-winning title song and a host of other catchy pop numbers.
SHOW DATES:
Thursday, August 9th at 7pm
Friday, August 10th at 8pm
Saturday, August 11th at 8pm

LOCATION:
Toms River High School North Auditorium
1245 Old Freehold Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753
Buy your tickets online
or at the door!

Click here to get your tickets!

COMING UP NEXT

This improv workshop is an introductory/intermediate class that will equip you with the tools of improvisation through fun games and teach you how to build characters and scenes. You do not have to be an actor to be a part of this workshop. You just have to have the desire to sharpen your listening skills and “thinking quick on your feet” skills!

$20 per person
Monday, August 13th 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Exit 82 Studio Theater, 73 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753

Click here to reserve your spot!

An interactive evening celebrating our favorite musicals including a live broadway VJ, broadway karaoke, and trivia in the company of the theatre community! Live VJ bringing you Broadway's latest and greatest then it's your turn to take the stage with KARAOKE!
$15 entry
Thursday, August 16th 7pm - 10pm
Exit 82 Studio Theater, 73 Main St. Toms River​

Click here to buy your tickets!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS AUDITIONS
A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years!
AUDITION DATES:
Tuesday, August 14th 7pm - 9pm
Wednesday, August 15th 7pm - 9pm
DETAILS
Please prepare 16 - 32 bars of a song of your choice. Dance call not required. Auditions take place at the Exit 82 Theatre Studio at 34 Main St. Toms River, NJ 08753.​ Ages 17 and up.

The Exit 82 Studio Theater is located at 73 Main Street in downtown Toms River. Parking is available on the street (free after 6pm) and in the free, public lots located on either Irons Street or Hyers Street.

Exit 82 Studio Theater
73 Main Street
Toms River, NJ 08753

Exit 82 Rehearsal Studio
34 Main Street
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Across the Hudson: 40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF ‘AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

RICHARD MALTBY JR TO DIRECT 40^th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

AT FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW

Sunday, September 9th, 2018 at 7:00pm & 9:30pm

Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 W.54th St, NYC)

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, the 1978 Tony Award-winning musical that celebrated the music of American composer Fats Waller, will celebrate its 40^th anniversary at Feinstein’s/54 Below on Sunday, August 12th at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.

The concert will be directed by the shows original Tony Award-winning director and conceiver, Richard Maltby, Jr.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

Receiving four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ opened at the Longacre Theater in 1978 and played 1600 performances. The original company featured Nell Carter, Andre DeShields, Armelia McQueen, Ken Page, and Charlayne Woodard. The show was choreographed by Arthur Faria. A revival of the show hit Broadway in 1988.

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ features some of Fats Waller’s most iconic songs including “The Joint Is Jumpin,” “Your Feets Too Big,” “Mean To Me,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and so many more.

54 SINGS AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will be produced by Robert W. Schneider. The show will be music directed by William McDaniel. The associate producer will be Benjamin Nissen.

Schneider said, “AIN’T MISBEHAVIN ‘is the epitome of a perfect revue. I am so thrilled that the man who helped bring this show to life forty years ago, the incomparable Tony Award winner Richard Maltby Jr, is once again taking the helm on this project and will be bringing Waller’s timeless music back to New York audiences. The joint, pun intended, will be jumpin!”

Tickets, starting at $30, are still available. In addition to the ticket price, there is food and beverage minimum of $25.00 54 SINGS AIN’T MISBEHAVIN  tickets can be purchased at 54below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551

MORE ABOUT FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW

Michael Feinstein, one of the world’s greatest musical artists, and 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club, have united to give New York an unparalleled destination for entertainment and dining. Feinstein’s/54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club, is the performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein’s/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the-art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein’s/54 Below will present iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music. The venue provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. In their description on the venue, The New York Times writes Feinstein’s/54 Below “has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan’s other major supper clubs. Located at 254 West 54^th Street, Feinstein’s/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $15-$105. www.54Below.com/Feinsteins

Dreamcatcher’s MEET THE ARTIST New Play Readings

Fixed

by David Lee White 

directed by Josh Schnetzer

Wednesday, August 15th @ 7 pm

What would you sacrifice for the people you love?

Ronnie doesn't want help. Valerie and Daryl don't want to reunite. But high school vows bind pretty tightly. Broken promises and dark humor fill David Lee White's new play about friendship, mental illness, and facing the truth.

About the playwright: 

David Lee White

David Lee White is a New Jersey based playwright and educator that has worked with Passage Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Dreamcatcher Rep, PlayPenn, Rider University and Drexel University as well as many other theatres and theatre programs in the NJ/NY/PA area. He was recently commissioned by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Passage Theatre to create the play SANISM, which will premiere in 2017. In the summer of 2015, David creat-ed the show FIVE MINUTES TO PLACES for the McCarter Theatre Education Program's Comedy Conservatory. His play BLOOD: A COMEDY was been produced at Passage Theatre (2009) and Dreamcatcher Rep (2012). David also worked with Passage's Artistic Director June Ballinger to create the mainstage shows TRENTON LIGHTS and PRO-FILES, which made use of interviews with Trenton residents on the topics of race, identity and history in Trenton, NJ. His play SLIPPERY AS SIN also received its world premiere at Passage in 2011. The one-act play WHITE BABY was originally produced at Passage Theatre, then at Emerging Artists Theatre in NY. His newest play REAL TRUE CRIME received a reading in the Hive Exposed series in NY in March of 2015, and his solo show PANTHER HOLLOW will be seen at Dreamcatcher Rep, Drexel University and the United Solo Festival in the NY in the Fall of 2015. 

Since 2005, he has been creating oral-history based plays with Trenton area teens based on social and cultural issues. IF I COULD IN MY HOOD I WOULD... was about inner-city gangs, FIRE GIRLS took on the issue of girl-bullying and URBAN CENTRAL examined the 1967 race riots that took place a Trenton Central High. Subsequent shows in this vein include GET OFF THE BUS and BOBASHELA. He created "Stoop Theatre" with the Trenton High drama club and created the show THIS TRENTON LIFE which was the subject an Emmy-Award nominated broadcast on PCK Media's STATE OF THE ARTS.

David Lee White is the Associate Artistic Director and Resident Playwright at Passage Theatre in Trenton. He also runs the Passage Play Lab which has aided in the development of plays by New Jersey-based playwrights. David is also the curator of the Rider University New Play Festival , an instructor at PlayPenn in Philadelphia and teaches Dramatic Analysis at Drexel University. He is currently working on the play THE FESTIAL QUARTET and the musical LIVE STREAM with singer/songwriter Sarah Donner and director/co-creator Adam Immerwahr. The piece has been workshopped twice at Bristol-Riverside Theatre as part of their "America Rising" series.

General Admission $10.00 at the door

What is the Meet the Artist Series ?

The new play reading series is a chance for the audience to participate in the development of new works, both to hear the play read by professional actors and also to discuss the project with the playwright, director and actors afterward.  Feedback from these evenings helps the playwrights to further refine their scripts and also gives them a first-hand experience of how the audience will respond to the finished work. These evenings provide a fun and lively way to interact with the creative process, and to receive a preview of plays that may be performed on Dreamcatcher's mainstage in the future.

     Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre

Oakes Center  *  120 Morris Avenue  *  Summit, NJ 07901

Tickets: 800-838-3006 | Info: 908-514-9654

www.dreamcatcherrep.org

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Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Oakes Center, 120 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901

Special Offer For Holmdel Theatre Company Members!

A Special Offer For Holmdel Theatre Company Members!

We wish to extend to you an exclusive 10% OFF PROMO CODE that applies to tickets for any film screening(s). For the discount, use code: MFF10 during checkout.

Returning to Red Bank’s Two River Theater this August 10th-12th Monmouth Film Festival continues to be the best place for film-loves and filmmakers to connect, learn, inspire, and to be inspired. Mingle with fellow industry professionals, filmmakers, actors, agents, artists, press and more at our Industry Networking Event on August 10th. Featured companies in attendance will include Fujifilm, Backstage, NJ Motion Picture & TV Commission, and the New York Film Academy. Go behind the scenes with free workshops in partnership with New York Film Academy; topics will include Directing, Producing, Acting, and The Business of Film - great for students and filmmakers of all ages! Experience the most amazing selection of Feature length and Short films brought to Monmouth County from across the Globe!

For Tickets & The Schedule: http://tiny.cc/MFF18

2018 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0cvw_XSYk4